Richard Fleming, joint administrator and head of KPMG restructuring in the UK, said: "It has been well documented that both companies have been running at a substantial loss in the wake of extremely tough trading conditions on the high street.

"Unfortunately, these losses have left us with little option but to close 45 of the stores upon appointment."

He said all stock will be consolidated into the remaining stores, which will continue to trade as administrators seek a buyer for the division